Pratton

Oran Ross Pratton of Reed Point, Mont., was born June 14, 1926, and stepped into the presence of his Savior Feb. 5, 2017, at the age of 90.
Oran was born in Columbus, Mont., the first of five boys born to Ross and Elma Pratton. He was raised on Kaiser Creek outside of Columbus, before the family moved to Galt, Calif. in 1930.
Oran married the love of his life Elskeline “Tootie” Pratton on Aug. 20, 1944, after being drafted into the Unites States Army. He was able to return from Aberdeen, Md., for the birth of his firstborn son, Oran Ross “Butch” Pratton Jr., in 1946. Oran and Tootie joyfully welcomed Denise Elskeline on Dec. 4, 1949, Kenneth Vern on June 8, 1952, and Kathy Dawn on Sept. 22, 1954.
After being discharged from the service, Oran continued his career as a butcher in Westpoint, Calif. Oran and Tootie worked hard together and successfully owned and operated three A&W restaurants, a bookkeeping business, a care home operation, a cattle feed business and Pratton’s Hay Service.
They retired together in 1989 and moved to Reed Point to enjoy their children and grandchildren. During this time they purchased the gas station and campground in Reed Point, endearing them to the hearts of the little community.
Oran enjoyed striper fishing, hunting, playing cards and above all else, being absolutely the best father, grandfather and great grandfather in the world! He sacrificially loved his family and loved spending time with them, especially at Bodega Bay, Calif., where so many happy memories were made.
“Pompa” Oran, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, enjoyed being a grandpa to all the kids in the community. His refrigerator was always full of soda, his kitchen was always open and the trampoline available for a small fee (which he never collected). He never met a stranger and was kindhearted and generous to all he met.
Oran was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Don, Vern, Darrell, Eddie and his son, Butch.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, daughter Denise Wright of Billings, son Ken (Julie) of Reed Point, Kathy (Lance) Monroe of Paragould, Ark., and Eddie Wright of Reed Point. Grandchildren Cassie Peterson, Jene’ Owens, Christopher and Cody Wright, Roger Dayton, Jennifer Goodman, Ken Pratton Jr., Dustin, Val and Wes Morgan and 18 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Chapel in Columbus, Mont. Because of his genuine concern and heart for the hurting, especially children, the family asks you to consider a donation to St. Jude’s hospital, in Memphis, Tenn.